Yet Another Way to Live Longer

Tue, Jun 23, 2009

Servant Leadership, Wellness

Yet Another Way to Live Longer

When you do a Google search for images related to the word “purpose” I don’t understand why the results pull up esoteric whispy trees in the middle of green fields, or that of a person paddling a canoe in the reflective moonlight in the middle of a widespread ocean with nary a sign of life in sight (and, really, should someone be in a canoe that far offshore?).

Yet, it seems these are the images that conjure up purpose–so the one above represents the prototypical “Successory-style” purposeful image; what that image actually means I have no idea, but it’s a placeholder for an article in this blog posting that actually is pretty insightful. 

The below article from HealthDay News was a great reminder about the importance of a holisitic view on life–and that your longevity isn’t just dependent upon the foods you eat and the way you treat your body–but, also, the way in which you focus your energy and life’s work:

Your purpose. 

Victor Frankl wrote about this at length in “Man’s Search for Meaning” based on his observations of life during prison camp–and the life altering, and defeating, result that occurred when you took away a part of a humans destination and, ultimately, meaning. 

So here’s an interesting study that highlights for those who rank higher on identifying a purpose also enjoyed a longer life. Most would agree that regardless of the years it can add to your life, having purpose will make the years on earth all the richer–but it’s all the more interesting if there’s a benefit in longevity as well. 

If you have a purpose in life — lofty or not — you’ll live longer, a new study shows.
It doesn’t seem to matter much what the purpose is, or whether the purpose involves a goal that’s ambitious or modest.
“It can be anything — from wanting to accomplish a goal in life, to achieving something in a volunteer organization, to as little as reading a series of books,” said study author Dr. Patricia Boyle, a neuropsychologist at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center and an assistant professor of behavioral sciences at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

Click here to read the full story.

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2 Responses to “Yet Another Way to Live Longer”

  1. Laquita McInturff Says:

    Rich, Since Allen’s stroke in Jan we could not attend Convention this year. However we’ve enjoyed reading all about Convention from your blogs/notes. We wanted to be there so bad. The excitement recharges our battery. Must have been a blast! Thanks for taking the time to do this.
    Allen & Laquita McInturff

  2. Raz Says:

    Hi Allen and Laquita, I am so sorry to hear of Allen’s stroke and hope that he continues to get better and better. I’m glad you’ve followed us via the blog, thanks for reading and viewing. It was a great time, I hope members of your upteam/downteam can share the energy with you and I look forward to seeing you at our next event! -Raz


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